May of this year was the sunniest and warmest on record in the UK, and long may it continue! We’re sure that any opportunity to be able to spend more time in your garden, entertaining friends or relaxing after a long week, is always welcomed. If you have timber decking in your garden, you will already know what a great addition it can be. It is a versatile space which has a range of uses and can replace a lawn if you want to avoid the upkeep.

We thought we would share a few tips with you on how to make the most of your wooden decking and maximise its potential, especially during summer. Have a read through our ideas…

1) Take care of it

Timber decking does require an amount of care in order to keep it looking good and for it to last for years to come, but the upkeep isn’t exhaustive. Make sure you keep it clean and free of debris such as leaves, to avoid any rotting. It is best to use a stiff brush to remove mildew which can make it slippery and if you have a power washer you can use this to clean the boards. It is a good idea to add a new coat of water repellent before winter begins, to keep it protected during the wet and cold months. If it’s stained, you should add a new coat annually so it stays looking fresh. 

2) Add potted plants

In order to make your wooden decking look more attractive and for it to blend in with the rest of your garden, you could add some potted plants of your choice. The beauty of them is that you can move them around according to the seasons or if you need to maximize the space as you’re having a gathering, you can temporarily move them out of the way to make room for a table. Make sure the plants sit on something rather than straight on the surface of the decking, to avoid the timber rotting from the moisture.

3) Stain the timber

If your timber decking is starting to look a little tired or sun damaged, stain the wood in order for it to look brand new. There are lots of different colours so if you start to get fed up of brown, why not change to grey! Make sure you check the tin before you purchase to ensure it will be suitable to use on your timber decking, and we advise you go for quality rather than the cheapest you can find.

4) Light it up

If you want to be able to use your timber decking during the long, hot summer evenings, you can set the mood with some good lighting. You could have lights installed within the wooden decking boards as uplighters, you could add some solar lights to the edge to help you see in the dark or add some fairy lights to your railings or pergola for a romantic look.

5) Add a railing

If you don’t currently have a railing around the edge of your decking, you may want to consider it. There are many different types to choose from, and they can make your timber decked area more private, and also more safe. You will also be able to use it to hang fitted planters or birdbaths.

We hope these tips will help you enjoy your decking throughout the summer months. For more information on our timber decking range, please give us a call on 01409 231763 or send us a message on our live chat.